Keith's massive throw helps Western to FC title

NEW LONDON — There is still something to be said for going out on top. And it may have taken until the final weeks of his high school career, but Western Reserve senior Hayden Keith knew it was in there. One week after throwing 163-plus feet at the same venue, Keith launched a throw of 178 feet, 11 inches to win the discus competition going away Friday at the Firelands Conference championship meet at New London High School. Not only was the throw an all-time best by nearly 10 feet for Keith, but it was also 41 feet better than second place and helped the Roughriders win their first FC team title in 16 years. A two-time state placer in the shot put, Keith also won that event for a second straight year Wednesday with an effort of 58 feet, 2.5 inches. He was nine feet better than second place in the shot. "I've shown it at practice a few times; I was just waiting for it," Keith said. "The weather was definitely a big factor today, at least for me. When you know the disc won't slip, you know it's going to be a good day." Keith is also ready to turn the page toward another deep state tournament run. "Both feel great," he said. "Discus is coming around, and the shot is close to where I want it to be. I think big marks are right around the corner." Western totaled 132 points and led the two-day meet from start to finish, ahead of Mapleton (103) and Crestview (100). It marked the third FC title in program history for the 'Riders, with the last two coming back-to-back in 2010-11. It was also the first of the school year for Western Reserve team athletics. "The whole team is pretty pumped right now," Keith said. "To get this one in the way that we did was fun." Also claiming first place for WR was Xzavian Meagrow in the 100-meter dash in 11.5 seconds. He then joined Chase Hipp, Ben Woodrum, and Colton Meagrow to win the 4x100 relay in 44.8 seconds. Other area boys winners included Plymouth's Izaya Reynolds in the 200 (23.4) and the 400 (51.1). He also helped the Big Red win two relays. In the 4x200, Plymouth's Isaiah Miller, Reynolds, Jeric Tackett, and Trevor Putt took first in 1:33.6. The 4x400 of Miller, Cainan Kilgore, Tackett, and Reynolds won in 3:36.2. GIRLS Mitchell ties mark at home After helping the girls basketball team to another FC title while fully recovering from a torn ACL the previous year, New London senior Raeann Mitchell is also going out on top. Literally. At her home venue, she cleared the pole vault at 10 feet, 6 inches. South Central's Falynn Schumacher also did, but Mitchell had fewer faults to claim first place. The height matches the FC meet record set a year ago by South Central's Taylor Smith. The previous mark was 10 feet by Onalee Keyser (South Central) in 2022. "It feels gratifying to get a conference title in both sports after my ACL injury," Mitchell said. "I really wanted my PR at 11 feet, but it just wasn't the right day for it. The weather today made it a little easier, but some days it's just not there for you." Mitchell said the pole vault is easier on her knee because she just has to run in a straight line. She will continue pole vaulting at NCAA Division II Walsh University next year. "I'm in a good place," she said. "I'm excited for school to be over, kind of, but also ready to get to Walsh. So sad to see it end, but also excited for the next chapter." Four more first-place finishes for South Central on top of two on Wednesday weren't enough for the Trojans to overtake Crestview in the team standings. The Cougars totaled 186 to South Central's 158. Lauren Ingram won the long jump (15 feet, 11 inches), while Kenlea Blair claimed the shot put (34 feet, 9 inches). In sprints for the Trojans, Autumn Fry won the 100 (13.1), and Emily Lamoreaux had the top time in the 110 hurdles (16.9). St. Paul totaled 110.5 points for third place. Deanna Vazquez swept the 200 (26.6) and 400 (1:00.2) sprints for the Flyers, and she anchored two winning relays. The 4x200 of Kira Sandor, Brooklyn Cassidy, Aubrie Bogard, and Vazquez won in 1:50.3. The 4x400 of Frances Donnelly, Bogard, Amelia Stoll, and Vazquez claimed first in 4:17.4. Western Reserve's Kara Woodruff won the 800 in 2:24.4.